Parish councils are urging residents to turn out and vote in a local plan referendum.

Villagers in North Runcton and West Winch go to the polls on Thursday, September 28.

If more than 50pc support the plan, it will be adopted by West Norfokl council and used to decide future planning applications in the parishes.

Richard Morrish, chairman of North Runcton Parish Council and the , North Runcton and West Winch Neighbourhood Planning Group, said: 'We can't tell you which way to vote – but this is a big chance for local residents to influence future development in our area.

'With the borough council and local landowners proposing such extensive urban growth here, we need planning applications that will help to build a happy, successful community.'

West Norfolk council wants to see 1,600 new dwellings completed in North Runcton and West Winch by 2026. New roads, schools and community facilities are also planned.

Michele Summers, vice chair of the neighbourhood planning group and West Winch Parish Council, added: 'The two parish councils have worked hard for five years to complete this plan, which an independent planning examiner described as one of the most challenging he had seen.

'Neighbourhood planning is a new idea – less than 4pc of parish councils across England have got a plan adopted. This is a real opportunity for residents to take a lead in shaping the future of our community.'

Polling stations will be at North Runcton Village Meeting Place, on the Green, and West Winch Village Hall.